PLAY THERAPY

Play Therapy is a form of psychotherapy when different types of plays, games, toys and activities are being used as a form of communication, the way kids, youth and even adults can work through experiences, traumas from the past, fears, and anxiety in an attempt to overcome their distress.

For ...

KID 3-12

YOUTH 12-18

ADULTS

The benefits of the play therapy

alleviation of anxiety
creative problem-solving skills
developing coping strategies and
self-respect
empathy and respect for others
alleviation of anxiety
positive body image
learning to fully experience and express feelings
stronger social skills
trauma healing

Children simply do not have the language skills to express their feelings or fears the way adults can. They may feel something but sometimes they do not have the environment or the trusted adult they can express it to. Children learn the whole world through interactions and play, it is where they can freely act out their deepest emotions, fears, hurts and happiness.

In play therapy toys can act a symbol and have deeper meaning.

During play therapy kids may became more to share their emotions, and less guarded. They are allowed and encouraged to do so in their own time and use own method of playing and communication. Kids often use different play to act out their deepest fears, anger, anxiety as a smoothing as healing, problem-solve or as a simply smoothing technique.

Kids are different; therefore, the goals and structure of the play therapy will be carefully tailored to the kids’ own needs.

Play therapy may invite the parents, caregivers, or siblings into play therapy to help in solving conflict and build bond, attachment, and stronger relationship.

Not only for kids ...

Play Therapy and play is not only for kids. Youth and adults also can have benefits of the different methods of Play Therapy. They also can experience difficulties in expressing their feelings, struggles or finding smoothing techniques. Play Therapy can help them get in touch with their emotions and difficulties they hard to talk about it, and relax from the everyday stress.

When play therapy is used

For Kids/ Youth:

learning difficulties
developmental delay
problem behaviors in school
facing medical procedures
chronic illness
aggressive or angry behavior
family issues: like divorce, separation, or death
natural disasters or traumatic events
domestic violence, abuse, or neglect
anxiety, depression, grief
eating and toileting disorders
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

For adults (18+):

intellectual disabilities
stress, anxiety
dementia
chronic illness
palliative care and hospice care
substance use
trauma and physical abuse
anger management issues
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
unresolved childhood issues
attachment issues
relationship/ intimacy issues

Sessions

Individual sessions

Group sessions

Play therapy techniques I offer

creative visualization

storytelling

role-playing

toy phones

water and sand play

dolls, action figures

arts and crafts

musical play

blocks and construction toys

dance and creative movement

puppets, stuffed animals and masks